What It Costs was written for what the band was feeling while Jon’s daughter was being hospitalized and needing surgery. In their documentary Fading West, Tim said
We set out on this journey looking for inspiration. And it’s crazy how one phone call can turn your whole world upside down.
Right aft...
[Verse 1: Tim Foreman]
Sunlight fading fast, make it last
Like a flame flickers, then it's past
Moonlight fades to dark, carry on
You never know what's real until it's gone
[Pre-Chorus 1: Tim Foreman]
But love deals the currency of life
Don't ever forget what it costs
[Chorus: Tim Foreman]
Hold on to me, carry me through
Our story is the pain that we outgrew
Yeah, you can't call it love until you've lost
If you love someone this is what it cost
[Verse 2: Tim Foreman]
This city cries softly tonight
Like a million teardrops from a thousand eyes
I'm drenched beneath the rainy Melbourne skies
Wonder how it is I feel so dry inside
[Pre-Chorus 2: Tim Foreman]
But love uses the pain to drill the holes
That irrigate our dry and thirsty souls
[Chorus: Tim Foreman]
Hold on to me, carry me through
Our story is the pain that we outgrew
Yeah, you can't call it love until you've lost
If you love someone this is what it cost
[Outro: Tim Foreman]
Sunlight fading fast, make it last
Sunlight fading fast, make it last
What It Costs was written by Tim Foreman.
What It Costs was produced by Eric Owyoung & Jon Foreman & Tim Foreman.
Switchfoot released What It Costs on Tue Sep 09 2014.